Getting Started in the Production of Field-Grown, Specialty Cut Flowers
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Publication 426-618
Getting Started in the Production of Field-Grown,
Specialty Cut Flowers
Holly L. Scoggins, Associate Professor, Horticulture, Virginia Tech
Specialty cut flowers are one of the most profitable field
crops you can grow. Lynn Byczynski, editor of Grow-
ing For Market newsletter (see Resources section),
estimates a value of $25,000 to $35,000 per acre for
field-grown cuts. The most basic requirements are at
least half an acre of open, arable land, a rototiller, and,
of course, time and effort. This publication is directed to
those new to market gardening, but commercial vegeta-
ble growers, tobacco farmers, and young people inter-
ested in summer income are all potential candidates.
Even grain and livestock farmers have increased prof-
itability in their operations by adding cut flower pro-
duction. For many greenhouse and nursery operations,
mid-summer business is slower, relative to spring. A
field-grown cut flower business is a viable option to fill Figure 1. Even a small plot can produce a wide variety of
in the summer production and cash flow gap. material. Virginia Specialty Cut Flowers, Saluda, Va. Photo
by Evelyn Scott.
“Specialty cut flowers” denote crops other than the
major florist crops of mums, roses, and carnations. The
term “cut flowers” includes a variety of plant material, Becoming a cut flower grower seems idyllic at first
both fresh and dried or preserved. Buds, flowers, stems, glance — armloads of blossoms, the association with
colorful or budding branches, seed heads, stalks — any romance and weddings. However, the reality of the
plant parts used for floral and decorative purposes — business is that it is extremely labor- and time-inten-
are considered cut flowers. With the right product mix, sive. This publication is designed to provide a produc-
production is not limited to summer. The number and tion overview and to serve as a starting point to help
diversity of herbaceous and woody crops is virtually you decide if the field-grown cut flower business is for
limitless (fig. 1). you.
www.ext.vt.edu
Produced by Communications and Marketing, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2014
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital, family, or veteran
status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University,
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.
VT/0414/HORT-71P
Why Grow Cut Flowers?
The cut flower market in the U.S. has changed dramat-
ically over the years. The Netherlands dominated the
flower growing market in the ’80s with new variet-
ies. With the advent of affordable overnight airfreight,
imports from Central and South American countries
increased as they took a lion’s share of the traditional,
domestic cut flower market. In the U.S., the once-prof-
itable production of standard crops like mums, carna-
tions, and roses has been supplanted by nontraditional
and specialty cut flowers. The U.S. flower consump-
tion market — though not nearly as sophisticated and
well-developed as the European and Japanese markets Figure 2. An unheated cold frame provides enough
— has potential for expansion. Growing market seg- protection to produce cool-tolerant crops like poppy
ments exist, such as upscale supermarket floral depart- (Papaver) and Ranunculus in early spring. Wollam Gardens,
ments and farmers markets. Though large quantities of Jeffersonton, Va. Photo by author.
cut flowers are imported into the U.S. from Central and
South America, Holland, and the Caribbean, there is
still a place (and profit) in the cut flower business for the Marketing options include selling to wholesalers, flo-
savvy grower. Some relatively high-dollar-value crops rists, or other retail outlets, or directly to the public. The
do not ship well and are best produced locally. Local obvious route when first starting out is to target local
production usually equals longer vase life. As interest markets. As your volume increases, you may want to
in locally grown food has skyrocketed, consumers are deal with wholesalers and distributors. “Direct to the
also paying attention to the proximity of other prod- public” sales include farmers markets, roadside stands,
ucts. One of the most dramatic increases has been in the or cut-it-yourself operations. How much you wish to
demand for locally grown wedding and event flowers. interact with the public can help determine if a direct
sales business is right for you. On-site sales, whether
The cut flower market is based on supply and demand, in the field or from a stand, require a good location in
but you can often create your own demand by offering a populated area and a desire to deal with (not merely
high quality and unusual products with reliable service tolerate) the general public. Production considerations
to back it up. Crops produced in the cooler “shoulder” may be altered a bit for the “cut your own” concept.
seasons (spring and fall in Virginia) can demand a If you are integrating a field cut flower business with
higher price because the market is not typically flooded a pre-existing greenhouse, nursery, or farm stand that
with product (fig. 2). retails to the public, the additional marketing require-
ments would be minimal.
Especially in reference to the small or starting grower,
the following phrase is repeated over and over in the There are many direct sales opportunities away from
industry literature: Quality sells. Grow for quality and the farm as well, though transportation becomes a cost
don’t be afraid to charge for it — price will follow factor. Farmers markets offer a low-overhead venue for
quality. novice growers, but competition is growing. Popular
markets often have a wait list of vendors, and many
established vegetable growers are getting into cut flow-
Who or Where Is My Market? ers. But if you can get into a market, you can exper-
The profitable grower does not wait until he or she iment with displays, mixed bouquets, dried materials,
has harvest-ready flowers to decide their fate. Have a etc., and enjoy relatively autonomous pricing. Bouquet
clear market plan established ahead of time. Your tar- subscriptions have proved profitable for many grow-
get market influences what you will grow, how it will ers, with the products delivered periodically to a cen-
be handled and packaged, and most important, the cap- tral location for pick up, much like a CSA (community
ital investment required. Cut flowers are usually sold supported agriculture) share. Additionally, many CSAs
by the bunch, in arranged bouquets, or individually. offer cut flower bouquets or bunches as a subscription
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2
add-on. Craft shows are great sales venues for pre- and your farm are tremendous selling tools. Social
served/dried plant material. media is a natural and valuable extension of your web-
site and is the equivalent of “word of mouth” promotion
Many growers that sell directly to the public end up (fig. 3).
as ad hoc floral designers for weddings and special
events. If you’re a real “people person,” this can be a Try to establish one consistent factor in your pricing.
great niche; if not, the time pressures and high expec- Some examples include: the same number of stems per
tations of the bride can be unpleasant. Sales to retailers bunch regardless of species; the same price per bunch
such as florists, garden centers, grocers, and upscale but vary the number of stems (good if offering a large
or gourmet specialty stores are other options. Industry assortment of unusual material). The fewer price points,
experts suggest that for businesses other than florists, the better. Regardless of your market, consistency of
start with a few sizes of mixed bouquets, then move to quality and service should be your business goals. In
quantities of single species. Offer premade bouquets as order to compete with the offshore (lower price) mar-
a labor-saving option to florists. Florists are constantly ket, local growers must offer comparable quality, grad-
searching for new and unusual material, often direct ing, packaging, and promptness. Educate your buyer.
from the grower. Provide price lists, quantities available, descriptions
of the material if it is unusual or not well-known, and
Selling to wholesalers is an attractive option for those postharvest recommendations — basically anything to
who prefer not to deal with direct sales. Wholesalers will improve quality of service.
usually insist you meet their grading, sorting, and pack-
aging requirements, and consistency is greatly appreci-
ated. Though the price will be lower, wholesalers will Product Variety: Find A Niche
often accept large quantities. If you are selling to both There are annuals, perennials, grasses, woody shrubs,
retail florists and to wholesalers, offer your wholesaler trees, and vines all suitable for use as cut flowers or
a quantity-based price break. Be aware that when deal- other cut plant material. Flowers can be grown spe-
ing with wholesalers, payment is usually made 30 to cifically for fresh use, dried use, for parts other than
45 days out, so don’t expect c.o.d. terms. An important flowers such as seed pods, or any combination of these.
caveat: If you form a relationship with a wholesaler, do Start with species or varieties proven to grow in your
NOT undercut them by selling directly to their retailers/ area. Virginia’s climates are as varied as its geography.
florists. Also, consignment sales
are not recommended. If you’re
offering your product at whole-
sale prices, let someone else
do the marketing and make the
retail contacts. For a directory
of wholesale florists and florist
suppliers, contact the Wholesale
Florist & Florist Supplier Asso-
ciation (see Resources).
Regardless of your target mar-
ket, create a website so you can
provide product information to
potential customers. Customers
of all kinds appreciate current
product availability lists that are
updated weekly or even daily.
A number of website platforms
and plug-ins can help you create Figure 3. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites are free, yet effective
interactive order forms. Photo ways to gain customers as you market your products and services. Facebook page
galleries of both your products created by Audrey Hodges, Faith Flower Farm, Virginia Beach, Va.
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Introduce other species on a trial basis before commit- unusual material will make you invaluable. Most whole-
ting to large-scale plantings. salers or retailers will pay for samples of a new variety.
In the same vein, be aware of changes in consumer style
Annuals will produce in the year planted and most are and color preferences. Comb the pages of greenhouse,
easily started from seed (fig. 4). Annual seed is read- floral, and horticultural industry publications and web-
ily available and lower in cost compared to perennials sites along with consumer lifestyle magazines to keep
and bulbs. Tender or half-hardy perennials can also be abreast of what’s hot. Look for the best cultivars of a
grown as annuals, with a bonus if they overwinter. particular species you want to grow. New varieties may
offer higher yields and better disease resistance. Be
The choices for perennials are endless. Some traditional cautious when jumping on a bandwagon. If a species is
perennial crops that bring a good price include peonies particularly popular or profitable this season, chances
(both fresh and dried), lily of the valley, and calla lil- are good that it will be available in mass quantity the
ies. Garden-type roses are a possibility for the specialty following year.
florist market. Fragrant heirloom roses such as cabbage
and bourbons can fetch top dollar during the wedding For information on everything from new cultivars to
season. Woody species can be used to extend produc- production techniques, consider joining the Association
tion time to include very early spring stems and flowers of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. This grower-based
(either naturally or on forced branches such as pussy group offers bountiful information in the form of a great
willow or flowering apricot), summer flowers (Bud- newsletter, The Cut Flower Quarterly, plus access to
dleia), late-season berries, or ornamental stems such as back issues, cut flower-related publications, discussion
the corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana cultivars) har- lists, regional meetings, and an annual conference with
vested in the fall and winter (fig. 5). excellent opportunities to learn from other growers.
Relatively low-maintenance and long-term production
are benefits of including “woodies” in your field-grown
cuts program. Keep in mind that it may take a few years
for some species to reach marketable harvest size.
Both wholesalers and florists want to be the first with
unusual or improved varieties. If you have the space,
consider a larger product mix. A wide variety of cuts
allows you to service a greater percentage of the needs
of your customers. Consistently test new crops. The
ability to provide the floral wholesaler or retailer with
Figure 4. There are myriad species, hybrids, and cultivars Figure 5. Bright late-winter stems of Forsythia, yellow-twig
of easy-to-grow annual Celosia — one of the most useful dogwood (Cornus), and pussy willow (Salix), ready for
cut-and-come-again crops. delivery. Wollam Gardens, Jeffersonton, Va. Photo by author.
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Costs of Cut Flower Production are! One of the best investments can be in labor-saving
technology. The cost savings can be substantial. Also,
Relatively little work has been done on the economics understand local environmental regulations, both cur-
of field production of cuts. However, many resources rent and impending. Invest in facilities and techniques
provide budgets for outdoor production of vegetables, that lessen your dependence on chemicals.
and these can be valuable references. The categories of
overhead and variable costs are roughly similar to those
incurred in greenhouse production, but there are some Crop Production Methods
important differences. Robin Brumfield, agricultural
economics Extension specialist at Rutgers University,
recommends tracking costs with the following system: Site Selection and Beds
The ideal site for cut flower production is in full sun
• Variable costs are allocated to each unit of production.
with wind protection, an irrigation source, and easy
These costs of production will change as the units of
access. Raised or mounded beds are virtually required
production change. Variable costs include materials
to ensure proper drainage (unless the soil is very sandy).
such as fertilizer, lime, plants, chemicals, etc.
A bed height of 4 to 8 inches should suffice, and drain-
Production labor is also allocated to each unit.
age can be enhanced by burying drain lines 12 inches
• Overhead or fixed costs are incurred without regard below the beds. Break up the hardpan or clay layer at
for the number of units produced. As more units are least 1.5 to 2 feet deep with a subsoiler. If a small trac-
produced, the fixed cost per unit decreases. tor is already part of the farm, a time and labor-saving
investment in a raised bed maker/plastic mulch layer
If you are already in the nursery or greenhouse busi- may be worthwhile. Beds can be any length. Keep in
ness, you are probably aware of the factors that make mind that beds should be narrow enough for you, your
up total labor costs per hour — not just the hourly rate, employees, and/or customers to reach comfortably to
but social security, workers’ compensation, unemploy- the middle of the bed; 4 feet wide is a good target size.
ment and disability insurance, and paid holidays. Be Aisle width is just as important; be sure to leave enough
sure to include these, if applicable, when calculating space to maneuver carts, wheelbarrows, etc., between
total labor costs per hour. the rows.
Overhead costs are not allocated to a specific crop. Proper preparation of the beds is essential to optimum
Costs must be allocated by some other method, such as growth and yield. There is no excuse for guessing as
cost per acre. Overhead costs include irrigation equip- to the soil nutrient content; soil samples are analyzed
ment (don’t even consider not having irrigation) and for a nominal charge by the Virginia Tech Soil Test-
related fertilizer proportioners, storage tanks, or farm ing Laboratory (www.soiltest.vt.edu), part of Virginia
ponds. Machinery, equipment, and buildings make up Cooperative Extension. Soil sample boxes and infor-
a substantial percentage of fixed costs. Tractors, fertil- mation sheets are available at local Extension offices
izer spreaders, sprayers, carts, wagons, delivery trucks/ (www.ext.vt.edu/offices). Amend beds with plenty of
trailers, coolers, sheds, and office buildings are all con- organic material. Well-composted horse or cow manure
sidered initial investments. Depreciation on these items is excellent. Be sure it has aged to the point where weed
should be calculated in terms of “useful life.” Keep seeds are no longer viable. Incorporate lime, super-
good records and be cognizant of all costs involved on phosphate, and other nutrients as recommended by the
a daily basis to be sure you are receiving fair value for results of your soil test.
your product.
If any of the beds are to lay fallow for a length of
Develop a business plan and stick with it! Experts time, such as over winter, cover crops are excellent for
advise against increasing the size of your business until increasing the organic matter content of the soil and
you know it is profitable. An interesting industry trend reducing erosion. Recommended fall and winter cover
is toward smaller acreage for cut flower production: crops for Virginia include hairy vetch, rye, barley, and
0.5 to 2 acres. Overproduction can be a problem. Most crimson clover, or better yet, a combination of two or
local markets can’t accommodate the volume produced more of these crops. Summer cover crops can include
on 10 acres of cut flowers, no matter how beautiful they soybeans, cowpeas, buckwheat, and sesame.
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Mulch can be used over and/or between the beds for Plant Material
weed suppression and moisture retention. Mulching
Plant material can be acquired from a number of
materials include plant byproducts such as bark, wood
sources. Some seed-grown annuals can be “direct
chips, straw, and more. Black plastic or landscape fab-
sown” into the beds; most are best transplanted as seed-
ric is the mulch of choice of many larger operations
lings started in cell trays, called “plugs” for annuals.
(fig. 6). Others prefer to till between rows to control
Vegetatively propagated perennials and woodies are
weeds. Because of the large variety of species grown as
also produced as rooted cells or “liners” (fig. 7). Plugs/
cut flowers, no single herbicide can be recommended.
liners can be brought in or produced on-site. Produc-
ing plugs and liners does require some sort of protected
and temperature- and humidity-controlled germination
Irrigation or rooting area — a simple poly hoop house or glass-
Growing top-quality flowers and foliage requires con- walled lean-to will suffice. Some annual species should
sistent moisture. Do not depend on rainfall to provide be seeded in succession to continually produce as
all the plants’ moisture needs. Most growers utilize drip long as the growing season allows. Perennials are best
irrigation as a time- and water-saving alternative to started in cell trays (versus direct sown), whether seed
hand watering with a hose and breaker. Simple drip sys- or vegetatively propagated. There are many commer-
tems include a valve at the head of the bed connected to cial sources for large plugs and starter plant liners. If
a main line, with a pressure-compensated tube or tape perennial species are planted out in the spring, be sure
running the length of the bed, usually under the mulch. they have been vernalized (cold treatment to induce
Depending on bed size and spacing of the crop, two flowering) if that particular species requires it in order
lines per bed may be desirable. Emitters should be close to flower that season. For some slow-growing species,
to, but not on top of, the plant crown. Inexpensive tim- start with a larger plant, such as 1- or 2-gallon material.
ers can control the volume and frequency of irrigation Many spring geophytes, such as daffodils and tulips,
events. Regarding all aspects of bed preparation, a bit make terrific cuts; start with fall-planted bulbs, corms,
of effort and expense early on can really pay off in crop and tubers. Dormant, bare-root perennials and woodies
quality, less weeding, and ease of harvest for the rest of are available in early spring. Crop rotation for annuals
the season. is a good idea. Change sites to reduce the incidence of
soil-borne pathogens.
Figure 6. Beautifully prepared beds await spring planting. Plastic mulch systems have long been used by vegetable
growers and adapt well for cut flower production. Irrigation lines run down the center of each bed. Wollam Gardens,
Jeffersonton, Va. Photo by author.
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Figure 7. Make more plants! Tip cuttings of lavender Figure 8. Plastic mesh is a must for support of taller
(Lavandula) are held under mist until rooted. Photo by varieties. The Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center,
author. Catawba, Va. Photo by author.
Spacing and Support shearing) early in the season to encourage branching
Optimal spacing varies between species. What seems and obtain the maximum number of stems per plant.
adequate spacing for a row of perennials the first year Pinch as soon as the plants are well-established and
may result in overcrowding the following year. Dense elongating. Leaving some of the crop unpinched can
spacing can lead to a higher incidence of disease result in earlier flowering and larger flowers with the
because air circulation is limited. Conversely, too much trade-off of fewer stems. Consult crop-specific refer-
space is an invitation to weeds and reduces yield per ences for timing.
square foot. Note that for some species, dense plant-
ing encourages longer stems. The spacing of annuals
varies by species, ranging from 4- to 6-inch centers to
Fertilizer
1 foot by 1 foot. Be sure to thin rows to proper final
spacing if direct seeded. Depending on the species’ par- Fertilizer requirements differ from crop to crop. Some
ticular vigor, recommended spacing for perennial spe- annuals, such as the annual sunflower (Helianthus ann-
cies ranges from 1 foot by 1 foot to 2 foot by 2 foot, uus), are heavy feeders and require periodic fertiliza-
or from 1 foot between plants to 2 to 3 feet between tion throughout the growing season. Some perennials,
rows. Woody plants should be placed on 3-foot cen- including ornamental grasses, require very little. Fer-
ters with more aggressive or larger species on 5-foot tilizer delivery methods range from broadcast or side-
centers. Maintain moist conditions until plants are well dress application of a granular fertilizer or compost, to
established. “fertigation” (application of nutrients through the irri-
gation system). Again, be sure to get a soil test before
Division is beneficial (or imperative) for many peren- proceeding. Incorporation of a slow-release fertilizer
nial species after the second or third year of production during spring (not fall) tilling will give young plants a
in order to maintain productivity. Most tall or relatively jump-start. Periodic on-site monitoring of soil and irri-
top-heavy species will require stem support. Rig beds gation water pH and soluble salts will be a tremendous
with adjustable wire or plastic mesh/grid that can be help in designing and adjusting an appropriate fertil-
raised as plants mature (a popular brand is Tenax/Hor- izer program. The scope of this overview publication
tonova; fig. 8). Be sure the netting and supports are in does not allow a full discussion on fertilizer sources and
place before the plants get too tall. It’s extremely diffi- recommendations. Consult the cited references or your
cult to “retrofit” support without damaging the plants. local Cooperative Extension office. Again, many veg-
etable production guides contain applicable fertilizer
Many perennial species benefit from pinching (or regimens and products.
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Pest Management Postharvest Handling
Pests for field-grown cut flowers run the evolutionary Proper postharvest care of your cuts is essential for
gamut, from powdery mildew, aphids, and Japanese maintaining high quality and a long vase life. The
beetles, to rabbits, deer, and unscrupulous passers-by. plant’s life processes continue even after the stem is
Integrated pest management is highly recommended as cut; respiration, transpiration, growth, and development
a money-saving and environmentally acceptable pest still happen. The cut stems and flowers remain sensitive
and pathogen control method emphasizing proactive to damage and disease. Floral preservatives and other
scouting. The cut flower field is full of pollinator attrac- additives are a necessary part of the postharvest process.
tors (though pollination is not desirable; it can shorten Refer to specific recommendations for each species in
vase life for some species). Systemic pesticides or those Virginia Cooperation Extension publication 426-619,
with surface residue can harm pollinator populations. “Field Production of Cut Flowers: Potential Crops”
Again, some of the most relevant guides to field inte- (http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-619/426-619_pdf.pdf).
grated pest management can be found in vegetable pro- Cool water can serve to promote cooling of the stems.
duction literature. If you are able to use organic means Warm water is useful if the cuts are under extreme
or biological controls to produce your crop, tell your water stress. Monitor water pH. Acidic water (pH of
customers! It is absolutely a marketing edge. 3.0 to 5.5) inhibits bacterial growth, helping flowers
persist longer. Preservatives are also formulated to be
effective at a lower pH. Mixing your own postharvest
Crop Harvest and Handling preservative concoctions is not recommended. There
are many commercial sources for flower preservatives,
When harvesting in warm weather, it is imperative that
conditioners, hydrators, and ethylene inhibitors.
field-grown cut flowers be cut early in the morning.
Harvest when plant water status is high, and tempera- Ethylene is another important consideration affecting
tures and transpiration are relatively low. If possible, postharvest longevity. Flowers cannot be stored with
wait until dew or other moisture has evaporated. Wet any kind of fruit or vegetable. The ethylene produced
flowers and foliage are more susceptible to postharvest by the fruit or veggie will result in premature floral
pathogens. Do not harvest when light level and tem- senescence. Good ventilation and removal of dead and
perature are at their maximum. Shading the freshly har- dying flowers is essential to maintain a relatively eth-
vested material also helps maintain lower temperatures. ylene-free environment.
Harvesting at the proper stage of development for each
species is very important: Too early, and some species
may not open; too late can result in drastically reduced
vase life. Harvest is the most labor-intensive aspect of
Grading, Packing, and Delivery
cut flower production. Communication with your har- There is no mandatory grading system for specialty cut
vest workers is essential! Be clear about what is accept- flowers in the U.S. Voluntary grading standards exist
able and what isn’t to ensure uniformity of the product. for the major cut flower species as established by the
Society of American Florists. General rules of thumb
Field and handling sanitation are just as important as apply, however, emphasizing uniformity: no greater
they are in the greenhouse business. Keep fertilizer than 10 percent deviation in stem length, relative uni-
injector systems, harvest knives or shears, posthar- form stem diameter, flowers of uniform size and stage
vest handling buckets, surfaces, and coolers clean and of development. Ten stems per bunch is the standard for
sanitized. Do your cutting, grading, and bunching in most species, with some species sold in fives or as sin-
rapid succession to eliminate excess handling that can gles. There are myriad packing options: buckets, boxes,
increase the cut’s exposure to pathogens and water flowers held wet or dry; find out what is appropriate for
stress. the species you are growing. The majority of specialty
cut flower growers use the indispensable 5-gallon plas-
More product than current demand? Don’t leave it in tic bucket (start collecting them now!; fig. 9).
the field! There are numerous ways to preserve and
make use of surplus cuts: air drying, oven drying, silica Be aware that some species such as snapdragon and
gel, glycerin, etc. A number of publications discuss this gladiolus exhibit a negative geotropic response: stems
subject; see the list of resources at the end of this article. laid flat will bend upward, away from the gravitational
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Transportation to market or wholesaler can be as simple
as a cargo van with seats removed, or a pickup truck
with a tall cap. Many creative designs exist for shelv-
ing and for holding buckets in place while en route.
Do everything possible to transport the cuts during the
coolest part of the day.
Want to Learn More? Resources
for Additional Information
Numerous state floriculture and greenhouse associa-
tions (often associated with state Extension services)
publish excellent newsletters. For the price of a (nom-
inal) membership fee, up-to-date research and grower
experiences can be yours. Visit your local botanical
gardens/arboreta/field trials for the first glimpse of new
species and cultivars. Commercial but small-grow-
Figure 9. Sorting and bunching stems in preparation for er-friendly seed purveyors such as Johnny’s Selected
market. Note the shade structure and large working space. Seeds (www.johnnyseeds.com) feature new varieties as
Wollam Gardens, Jeffersonton, Va. Photo by Kim Jefferson. well as proven favorites, along with germination and
planting information. Finally, the previously mentioned
Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is the
best community and resource for all facets of the busi-
ness (fig. 10).
pull, resulting in curved stems, so keep them as upright
as possible. Vehicular and personnel requirements
necessary for timely deliveries are often overlooked
in the planning of a cut flower business. If not consid-
ered in planning your business, these things can get
complicated (and expensive), reducing
efficiency and profits. One alternative
is to deliver directly from the field in
the morning. This works adequately for
immediate delivery to local markets.
However, if you need to hold the flowers
for any reason, such as accumulating cer-
tain cuts for a larger wholesale market,
cold storage facilities will be necessary
to maintain temperatures between 35 and
40 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many
options available at a wide range of
costs. These include built-in-place cool-
ers, prefabricated cold storage units, or
even modified refrigerated transportation
units such as refrigerated semitrailers or
ice cream trucks. One of the most popu-
lar options with small growers is one or Figure 10. Join the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers for access
more used convenience-store-type dis- to a wealth of resources and opportunities! Website image used with
play coolers. permission of ASCFG.
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9
Resources and Recommended Other Resources
Reading Associations
Books Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers – www.
Armitage, Allan M. 2008. Herbaceous Perennial ascfg.org. The quarterly newsletter that accompanies
Plants: A Treatise on Their Identification, Culture, and membership is an excellent resource for new crop infor-
Garden Attributes. 3rd ed. Champaign, Ill.: Stipes Pub- mation, marketing tips, industry news, and research
lishing. The definitive guide to herbaceous perennials. updates. Members can have ongoing discussions of
pricing, cultural techniques, and other topics in online
Armitage, Allan M., and Judy M. Laushman. 2008. forums. Regional and national conferences provide
Specialty Cut Flowers: The Production of Annuals, intensive learning opportunities.
Perennials, Bulbs, and Woody Plants for Fresh and
Dried Cut Flowers. 2nd ed. Portland, Ore.: Timber Society of American Florists – www.safnow.org. The
Press. A to Z production information for specialty cut Society of American Florists provides marketing, busi-
flower crops. Coverage by genus and species includes ness, and government services for all participants in
propagation, environmental requirements, field and the U.S. floral industry. Maintains the “Ultimate Flo-
greenhouse performance, harvest and postharvest, and ral Industry Supply Guide,” with up-to-date links for
pests and diseases. services and supplies for retailers, wholesalers, and
growers.
Arnosky, Frank, and Pamela Arnosky. 2010. Local
Color: Growing Specialty Cut Flowers. Lawrence, Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association –
Kan.: Fairplain Publications. This inspiring and enter- www.wffsa.org. Provides networking and business
taining book focuses on the authors’ vast experience opportunities to wholesale distributors and floral sup-
in raising cut flowers in the difficult climate of South pliers. Online search feature for wholesale floral and
Texas. hardgoods suppliers.
Byczynski, Lynn, 2008. The Flower Farmer: An Newsletter
Organic Grower’s Guide to Raising and Selling Cut Growing for Market – www.growingformarket.com.
Flowers. 2nd ed. White River Junction, Vt.: Chelsea Lynn Byczynski, editor and publisher. A monthly news-
Green Publishing. From the publisher of Growing for letter for market gardeners. Absolutely a must! Con-
Market newsletter, an outstanding resource for the tains a significant amount of information on cut flower
beginning and experienced grower. production and marketing. This newsletter is geared
for small-scale operations and focuses on sustainable
Dirr, Michael A. 2009. Manual of Woody Landscape
production techniques. The newsletter is available in
Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Character-
both print and online formats; one subscription allows
istics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. 6th ed. Cham-
access to the invaluable archives.
paign, Ill.: Stipes Publishing. The definitive guide to
woody ornamentals in the U.S. Useful cultural infor-
mation for woody plants with “specialty cuts” potential. Website
North Carolina Cooperative Extension website: “Cut
Dole, John M., and Harold F. Wilkins. 2004. Floricul- Flowers” – http://cutflowers.ces.ncsu.edu. Links to cut
ture: Principles and Species. 2nd ed. New York: Pren- flower trials results, postharvest evaluations, upcoming
tice Hall. Production information for a number of cut events, etc. Also production information, including the
flower crops is included in the most comprehensive “Southeast Outdoor Cut Flower Production Manual.”
book on greenhouse, field, and foliage plant floriculture.
Greer, Lane, and John Dole. 2008. Woody Cut Stems
Services
for Growers and Florists: Production and Post-Harvest Virginia Tech Soil Testing Lab – www.soiltest.vt.edu.
Handling of Branches for Flowers, Fruit, and Foliage. Standard soil test (pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe,
Portland, Ore.: Timber Press. Extend and expand your B, and estimated CEC, plus a fertilizer and lime recom-
product line with much sought-after woody stems. mendation), free for farmers in Virginia.
www.ext.vt.edu
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